Convergence insufficiency- finally getting prism lenses
 

Ever since I was around 11 years old, first year of secondary school, I've had problems with reading, writing, copying from the blackboard, poor reading comprehension, sports and balance/ co-ordination. Because I did so well in primary school where I was a straight A student, the teachers conclusion was I 'wasn't trying/ not concentrating/ being lazy'. I had no idea what was going on and why I wasn't able to do the things I used to be good at. My grades dropped dramatically and I failed everything and left with very poor qualifications. I went on to having big problems with employment and constantly being pulled up for 'not concentrating' and making mistakes. One of my bosses asked a workmate if she thought I was 'slow' which hurt like hell as I have been very aware of my problems.

I have permanent double vision/ blurred vision, headaches, pulling feelings in my eyes, dry eyes, feel nauseous when I read too much, can't remember what I've just read.

I also had very bad handwriting, but my handwriting was fine in primary school. The letters were all different sizes, I couldn't stay on the line and it was like my hand and brain weren't co-ordinating. I'd be sent home constantly to practice my handwriting as it was illegible.

Now, I'm 31 and yesterday I was diagnosed with 'convergence insufficiency'. The optician said as I've been this way for 20 years it's unlikely I will get depth perception, and I've got extropia because my vision problem wasn't treated early on. He told me not to get my hopes up as it may only help a little bit, but I'm still extremely excited to get my glasses!

6 years ago I had crazy vertigo, motion sickness, dizziness and just generally felt terrible. I though I had an ear problem, but when I had a VNG test the doctor asked me if I realised I was having 'eye tracking' problems and that I had 'abnormal saccades'. I did mention that I've had problems with reading since 11ish, but the referral to a neurologist got lost and I didn't realise the significance of this at the time. I was also more preoccupied with my mental health issues.

The optician asked me if I'd ever had a virus or head injury, and the only thing I've had is Scarlet fever, and I also hit my head- fell out of a tree onto my back from 6ft.

I also have terrible memory problems and this affected my school work. My sister has always said that I 'just changed' at one point. I went from a very good student to failing everything. My behaviour became very out of character- poor impulse control, extreme emotions, bad social skills. I was a very active and 'self-starter' type child, to having no motivation at all. I was a very bright and clever child, and I couldn't even think straight, retain information or put my thoughts together.

One of my mothers friends noticed I was having problems communicating, which is something I'd never had before. I was always very articulate and my social skills were quite good, but I found it hard to follow conversations (which I now realise was probably a visual problem as I wasn't able to follow facial cues) and to get my words out properly.

I also developed things like being unable to tolerate noise and too much stimulation. I was constantly tired and overwhelmed and hated being around too many people and began to avoid school. Whereas before I loved being social and having parties and such.

I'm waiting to see a neurologist to find out what's happened. I'm just gutted that it's taken this long for me to get help and I'm wondering if there are things I can do for myself at home? Any tips?

I also found giving up gluten was a huge help, and I believe it was compounding my issues. I found the 'brain fog' eased up a bit and my memory improved slightly.

There are eye exercises you can do, but I think it is best you wait until your see your doctor and let them give you them to do. I had "eye therapy" for mine after my accident and am doing home therapy now since I took a few more whacks. There are standard things but your doctor should tell you what ones are best for you. If you are unwilling to wait you can find them on the web if you look.

Thanks!

The optician said as I've had this for so long, possibly 20 years, that it's unlikely that my vision will go back to normal. And not to get my hopes up with the prism lenses.

Also, as I have poor eye tracking and abnormal saccades, that also adds to reading problems.

He explained that the convergence insufficiency and poor eye tracking/ saccades are caused by different parts of the brain.

I also have photophobia and don't like going outside much.

Google "Fixing my Gaze" - its written by a neuroscientist who had convergence insufficiency her whole life and was able to correct it through vision therapy. She describes how all the experts on neuroplasticity and "critical windows" thought that you can't gain depth perception late in life - but she was able to!

Very inspirational read, also very informative.

I've also done vision therapy and found it hugely helpful.

Look into Irlens Syndrome. It is a light sensitivity that doesn't allow for certain Rays of light to be processed by the brain, thus causing the brain to overstimulate and processing of any reading doesn't occur. It's like your watching tv and your seeing it, but you don't know what's actually happening because your brain isn't putting the pieces together.

I've gotten the lenses and they have changed my life. No more headaches, nausea, head numbness, disorientation, and I can turn my head without feeling like i just got shaken into a different stratosphere.

I think it could be of great benefit to you.